Different between Passive and Active SFP+ cable

[dahua.huang]

Hey,

We'd like to know what is the different between Cisco SFP+ copper passive twinax cable and active cable?

We test some Siemon passive SFP+ 7m and 10m copper cables and these cables passed our lab test ( link between nexus 5548 and FEX link).

Is that means we can using Siemon to take over Cisco because of same function and lower cost?

Thanks.

[phiharri]

Greetings,

The following page explains in detail the difference between passive and active copper assemblies - http://www.scientificcomputing.com/High-speed-Copper-Interconnects-Address-Critical-HPCHurdles.aspx.

You can use any Cisco Twinax cables between a Nexus 5548 switch and Fabric Extender (note that Nexus 7000 switches do not support all Twinax cables). The 7 and 10m cables use an active design while the shorter cables are passive.

Non-Cisco transceivers are not compatability validated and may not be supported by TAC if you encounter any issues (Warranty Guideline http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/prod_warranty09186a00800b5594.html). We recommend always using official Cisco components.

Hope this helps,
/Phil

[pzpgd1mlf]

I had the same question about difference between passive and active copper, and you answer the question. Basically one does not consume power while the other does.

Looking at the compatibility table for N7K, it is unclear whether the M modules with XP option is now supporting twinax cables or not.It says "Only Version -02 or later is supported". Any inputs on that?

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/interfaces_modules/transceiver_modules/compatibility/matrix/OL_6974.html#wp62361

[rizwankkl]

Hi Phil,

I am using Cisco SFP-10G-AOC5M SFP+ to connect between NetApp Dual 10G Ethernet Controller T320E-SFP+ and Cisco Nexus 5548UP nexus switch. Will this be compatible? please advise.

I heard that NetApp can support only passive cables and above said AOC%M not listed in the Cisco Data Sheet.

Regards

Riswan